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Shilpa Solanki Mystery #2
Murder on the Menu
Shilpa Solanki has settled into life in Otter’s Reach, and her cakes are selling like . . . well, hotcakes. When tycoon Roy Arden turns eighty, Shilpa caters the event—but the party’s over when it turns out it was Roy’s last birthday.
Roy’s daughter, Caroline, asks Shilpa to investigate, and delving into the Arden family dysfunction provides a surfeit of suspects: the much-younger second wife; the gardener-turned-son-in-law Roy never approved of; the brother he had a strained relationship with. Then Caroline turns up dead, too, and Shilpa has to burn the candle at both ends to find the culprit in this cozy culinary mystery by the author of A Slice of Murder.
Roy’s daughter, Caroline, asks Shilpa to investigate, and delving into the Arden family dysfunction provides a surfeit of suspects: the much-younger second wife; the gardener-turned-son-in-law Roy never approved of; the brother he had a strained relationship with. Then Caroline turns up dead, too, and Shilpa has to burn the candle at both ends to find the culprit in this cozy culinary mystery by the author of A Slice of Murder.
- GenresMystery
280 pages, Paperback
Published July 21, 2022
17 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Marissa De Luna
16 books27 followersMarissa de Luna started writing in 2007 when she took a career break to travel. She is an up and coming young author with a passion for travel. She is currently working on a cosy crime series set in Devon. Her latest in the series is titled Murder in the Mix and is published by Bloodhound Books.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 26, 2022
I was sceptical about this book to begin with as I had not read the first book in this series. Indeed I didn’t even know it was part of a series however….
This is the second book I have read and reviewed as a new member of the Bloodhound ARC Group and I can hand on heart say that I really enjoyed it.
It was a fantastic book with lots of interesting twists and due to it being a story covering multiple generations and different families and individuals it certainly held my attention and I held my breath in places till the very last page.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good who done it with a true family saga.
All the characters were interesting and unique and in all honesty I wanted it to carry on so I could find out if Shilpa & Robin do get their happy ever afters after their trip to India.
This is the second book I have read and reviewed as a new member of the Bloodhound ARC Group and I can hand on heart say that I really enjoyed it.
It was a fantastic book with lots of interesting twists and due to it being a story covering multiple generations and different families and individuals it certainly held my attention and I held my breath in places till the very last page.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good who done it with a true family saga.
All the characters were interesting and unique and in all honesty I wanted it to carry on so I could find out if Shilpa & Robin do get their happy ever afters after their trip to India.
July 13, 2022
I really enjoyed the first book in this series and this one is even better. It begins with the death of a man at his 80th party. We are unsure if it was an accident or murder and if the latter, then Shilpa soon realises there are no shortages of suspects.
I was hooked from the start. There are lots of characters but it didn't detract from the story and I didn't find it complicated overall to keep track of everyone and their connection to Roy. I love the character of Shilpa, so down to earth and happily running her own cake business while still managing to find time to do some amateur sleuthing. It was so easy to read this and I totally lost myself in Devon, surrounded by beautiful scenery and fabulous cakes and desserts.
There is also a potential love interest here for Shilpa which I am looking forward to reading more of in the next book.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
I was hooked from the start. There are lots of characters but it didn't detract from the story and I didn't find it complicated overall to keep track of everyone and their connection to Roy. I love the character of Shilpa, so down to earth and happily running her own cake business while still managing to find time to do some amateur sleuthing. It was so easy to read this and I totally lost myself in Devon, surrounded by beautiful scenery and fabulous cakes and desserts.
There is also a potential love interest here for Shilpa which I am looking forward to reading more of in the next book.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for an advance copy of this and this is my honest review.
July 17, 2022
I love a cosy mystery, so was keen to read one by a new author to me. I hadn't realised this was the second book of a series, but it stands alone and my enjoyment wasn't hampered by not having read the first.
Shilpa is a baker, employed to create a cake for a big 80th birthday party. When Roy, the man the party is for, dies at the event, Shilpa finds herself caught up in the mystery. Can she help solve the case whilst keeping herself safe?
I really enjoyed the book. Lots of characters, but easy to follow, with suggestions of storylines to come in future installments. I'll definitely keep an eye out for book 3 and head back to find book 1!
Shilpa is a baker, employed to create a cake for a big 80th birthday party. When Roy, the man the party is for, dies at the event, Shilpa finds herself caught up in the mystery. Can she help solve the case whilst keeping herself safe?
I really enjoyed the book. Lots of characters, but easy to follow, with suggestions of storylines to come in future installments. I'll definitely keep an eye out for book 3 and head back to find book 1!
July 20, 2022
This novel is coming out July 21, of 2022. The paperback is out July 7th of 2022. This is a great mystery with Shilpa Solanki. This is about a guy name Roy Arden; he is rich from selling land in the 80's and 90's piece by pieces and getting richer. The areas of Otter's Reach and Mermaid. Roy has a 1920's mansion on Mermaid Rock. He had a birthday bash of 150 people and guests, also enemies. This storyline has so many twists and turns with a lot of rich mayhem. The secrets will come out with Shilpa Solanki on the job, she will solve the case, with her quick witting and thinking. I enjoy this character and more. You have to read; it is a really great book.
July 9, 2022
Shipla was in attendance when another murder took place. She had provided the cake to celebrate Roy Arden's 80th birthday. It was a huge party, and shortly after midnight that he was murdered. Just like what happened over 50 years earlier when Cecelia died at that very same spot. Did he fall or was he pushed? By whom? His twin brother, who was always in his shadows, his young wife who just told everyone she was pregnant, or his daughter or her husband. Is Shipla up to the task at finding the truth? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 21, 2022
I love a good twisty turny cozy and this did not disappoint! The characters were all so much fun, some were so likable and some were so easy to hate! The family dynamic of the victim was so dramatic, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. There were some parts that I totally guessed but I never saw the real killer for what they were, which I love. I am always happiest when I can’t guess the killer! I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, but the author gives enough backstory that I never felt lost. I can’t wait to see what happens to our sleuth next!
July 25, 2022
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is the second book in this series which is just as great as the first one if not better. This is a well written story where the author's use of details made the story come to life. The characters are connectable, strong and supportive of each other. I found this book to be fast paced and engaging. A story that is hard to put down and will keep you guessing. What happens when a birthday boy turns up dead? You don't want to miss what happens for sure. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
July 19, 2022
Definitely a book for people with a love of amateur sleuthing.
I hadn’t read the first book in this series, it only references the main character Shilpas previous sleuthing briefly!
This is based in Devon and will make you want to visit and enjoy cake
The story is based at a 80th party where an accident happens but was it really an accident or was it Murder?
Shilpa soon discovers her list of suspects and motives is never ending. Will she solve the case in time
I hadn’t read the first book in this series, it only references the main character Shilpas previous sleuthing briefly!
This is based in Devon and will make you want to visit and enjoy cake
The story is based at a 80th party where an accident happens but was it really an accident or was it Murder?
Shilpa soon discovers her list of suspects and motives is never ending. Will she solve the case in time
July 21, 2022
Really enjoyed this book - perfect for laying in the sun with a glass of cool wine and relaxing do an ideal vacation read.
The twists and turns as the pages turned were enjoyable and although this is second book with this main character it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the first.
If your looking for a book to pass the hours quickly on a long haul flight or to lounge by a pool with then look no further.
The twists and turns as the pages turned were enjoyable and although this is second book with this main character it didn’t matter that I hadn’t read the first.
If your looking for a book to pass the hours quickly on a long haul flight or to lounge by a pool with then look no further.
July 21, 2022
This is the second installment on the series featuring Shilpa Solanski as a baker turn investigator, suspicious deaths just occurred around her.
Book two is as good as Book one, with the same relatable characters and a good plot, this book makes for a fantastic read, one that will grab you from the beginning, there are quite a few surprises in it and you'll never guess who did it.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Book two is as good as Book one, with the same relatable characters and a good plot, this book makes for a fantastic read, one that will grab you from the beginning, there are quite a few surprises in it and you'll never guess who did it.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 28, 2022
I received this book for free from Bloodhound Books.
I didn't realize this was the second book in a series. I could still follow along and in my opinion this can be read as a stand alone book.
I really loved how this book explored most of the characters' viewpoints. A lot of times, even in a third person book, the author only focuses on one character's viewpoint.
This was a very well written mystery that kept me guessing.
I hope there will be many more books in this series.
I didn't realize this was the second book in a series. I could still follow along and in my opinion this can be read as a stand alone book.
I really loved how this book explored most of the characters' viewpoints. A lot of times, even in a third person book, the author only focuses on one character's viewpoint.
This was a very well written mystery that kept me guessing.
I hope there will be many more books in this series.
July 10, 2022
Excellent book. It really set the scene and made me want to move to Devon. I hadn't realised that this was book 2 so I want to go back now and read book 1. If you like Agatha Raisin books you'll love this. Couldn't put this book down and read in a day. Good chapter cliffhangers and a real page turner. You won't be disappointed
April 7, 2025
The book was ok.
But I couldn’t bear the reading by Rachel Petladwala.
She put so many short pauses in sentences where there should be no pauses. Like the sentences are all full of commas.
Eg There was a large … wardrobe alongside the … door … to the kitchen.
Ok. Not quite that bad, but close. It drove me nuts.
Can’t listen to another audiobook read by her.
But I couldn’t bear the reading by Rachel Petladwala.
She put so many short pauses in sentences where there should be no pauses. Like the sentences are all full of commas.
Eg There was a large … wardrobe alongside the … door … to the kitchen.
Ok. Not quite that bad, but close. It drove me nuts.
Can’t listen to another audiobook read by her.
July 6, 2022
Another story of Shilpa who settled into life in Otters Reach. This time she is asked to help investigate the murder of Roy Arden. She uncovers more than she bargains for and discovers hidden family secrets. A good read and lots of twists.
July 12, 2022
The second book in the series. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for my ARC of this book. I really enjoyed this book. It was full of twists and turns and kept me guessing. A great holiday read. Looking forward to the next one.
July 18, 2022
A great 2nd installment of this cosy mystery series. Once again, a storyline which kept me guessing until the end, full of twists and turns. It could only be improved by adding some pictures alongside the fantastic cake descriptions!!
July 11, 2022
Lots of different threads. Keeps you guessing to the end.
July 19, 2022
A really enjoyable cosy mystery whose twists & turns kept me guessing. If you enjoy series like the Dales Mysteries & Daisy Dalrymple read this!
December 29, 2022
I absolutely loved reading this book which had me captured from the very start.This is the second book in the series and certainly can be read as a standalone in its own right.
Such a brilliant written murder mystery it had me suspecting many characters which I was certainly proofed totally wrong, and definitely didn't see that twist to the story. A fabulous book with great characters, descriptive, and writing with revelations, turns and plenty of twists.
The cakes mentioned in the story what I wouldn't give for a piece.
For those who like a good murder mystery this definitely won't disappoint.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the copy this is my honest unbiased review.
Such a brilliant written murder mystery it had me suspecting many characters which I was certainly proofed totally wrong, and definitely didn't see that twist to the story. A fabulous book with great characters, descriptive, and writing with revelations, turns and plenty of twists.
The cakes mentioned in the story what I wouldn't give for a piece.
For those who like a good murder mystery this definitely won't disappoint.
My thanks to Bloodhound books for the copy this is my honest unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews